Ash looked worriedly at the hall. " Dawn's been in bed for an awfully long time. Hope she's okay."

Brock nodded. " I hope."

A brown bag dropped on the couch, and Ash and Brock turned.

" Where is she?"



Dawn was covered with the blanket when someone shook her. " Wake up."

Dawn didn't even bother to look. " Why brother?"

" You have to get up at SOME point."

" I just want to die." Dawn muttered as she squished her face onto the blanket.

" Dawn don't you dare speak like that ever, understood?"

Dawn didn't answer.

" Dawn."

" What does it matter? It's not like anyone's gonna miss me if I quit."

" Dawn-"

" You saw me out there, Kenny. I lost. Me and Amipom gave it out all and we still lost. If even our best doesn't let us qualify then it doesn't matter."

" D-"

" Might give up contests while I'm at the beginning."

Kenny grabbed the blanket. " Dawn Hikari don't you dare think about that, you hear me?"

Dawn didn't reply.

" Dawn." Kenny said in a sharpness Dawn hadn't heard for a long time.

Not since.... That day with the play in third grade where she sneezed and the kids laughed at her. She had stayed at home for days, until Kenny came in and snapped her out of her funk.

Dawn turned to face Kenny, who's face was a mix of anger and concern.

Kenny gently sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Dawn. " Sit up."

" Can I have the blanket first?"

Kenny spread the blanket on the two of them, and Dawn sat up. Kenny gently tilted her face so they were looking at one another in the eye.

" Dawn Hikari, you are going to hug me and you are going to cry on my shoulder, and then we are going to go out and train. Do you understand."

Dawn nodded, and Kenny wrapped his arms around her, and Dawn buried her face in Kenny's shoulder and for the first time in a long time, she cried.

In her boyfriend's arms.

From the doorway, Ash and Brock watched.

" Now that's a good boyfriend." Brock whispered. " One who knows how to snap their girl out of a funk."

Ash nodded. " Yeah."

Dawn’s muffled sobs filled the room as she clung to Kenny, her tears soaking his shoulder. Kenny held her tightly, his hand gently stroking her back as he whispered words of encouragement.

“It’s okay, Dawn,” Kenny murmured. “Let it out. I’m here. I’ve always been here.”

From the doorway, Ash and Brock stood silently, their expressions soft.

“I’ve never seen her like this before,” Ash whispered, his usual energy replaced with quiet concern.

Brock nodded, crossing his arms. “She’s been carrying a lot of pressure. Losing can feel like the end of the world, especially for someone like Dawn who puts her whole heart into what she does.”

Ash glanced at his friend. “Do you think she’ll be okay?”

Brock smiled faintly, nodding toward Kenny. “With him around? Yeah. He’s doing exactly what she needs.”

Back in the room, Dawn’s sobs began to quiet, though she didn’t loosen her grip on Kenny. “I’m sorry,” she whispered hoarsely. “For being like this.”

Kenny pulled back slightly, just enough to look her in the eyes. “Don’t you dare apologize, Dawn. You’re allowed to feel this way. But you’re stronger than this. I know you are.”

Dawn sniffled, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her pajama top. “What if I’m not?”

Kenny shook his head. “You are. You’ve faced tougher situations before. Remember when you lost to Zoey and thought you’d never catch up? You worked harder than ever and came back stronger. You can do it again.”

Dawn hesitated, her gaze searching his for reassurance. “But… what if I fail again?”

Kenny smiled, his tone soft but firm. “Then you try again. That’s what makes you, you. You don’t give up. And I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

A small smile tugged at Dawn’s lips. “You really mean that?”

“Of course I do.” Kenny squeezed her hand. “Now, let’s take this one step at a time. First, we get you out of this room. Then we’ll figure out what’s next, together.”

Dawn nodded, a spark of determination flickering back in her eyes. “Okay.”

Ash and Brock exchanged a glance as they stepped back into the hallway, giving the pair some space.

“She’s lucky to have someone like him,” Ash said quietly.

Brock chuckled. “We could all learn a thing or two from Kenny about being there for someone.”

As the two walked away, Dawn and Kenny stood from the bed. For the first time in days, Dawn felt a sliver of hope. And with Kenny by her side, she knew she wasn’t alone in facing whatever came next.